FAQ

Yes — Border Collies are one of the most intelligent dog breeds in the world. Their natural ability to learn quickly makes them highly trainable, especially when using positive reinforcement methods like treats, praise, and play.

That said, intelligence doesn’t always mean easy. Because they’re quick learners, Border Collies can just as easily pick up bad habits as they do good ones. If training is inconsistent, poorly timed, or lacks clear structure, even simple commands can become a challenge.

To raise a well-behaved Border Collie:

• Start training early — puppies absorb lessons rapidly

• Use clear, consistent cues with positive reinforcement

• Avoid harsh discipline — it damages trust and creates confusion

• Provide daily mental stimulation alongside physical exercise

With the right approach, Border Collies can master everything from basic manners to complex tricks — but your consistency and technique matter just as much as their intelligence. Early socialisation and structured training are key to preventing unwanted behaviours and shaping them into responsive, reliable companions.

Yes, Border Collies make excellent pets for the right owner. Known for their intelligence, loyalty, and high energy, they thrive in active households where they receive plenty of mental stimulation and physical exercise. These dogs are incredibly trainable and excel in obedience, agility, and herding. However, they need space, routine, and a purpose — without them, they can become bored and destructive. Border Collies form strong bonds with their families and are affectionate, alert, and protective. They are best suited to experienced dog owners who can meet their needs. With the right care, they make devoted and endlessly entertaining companions.

Yes — Border Collies are a high-energy working breed that absolutely require a great deal of both physical activity and mental stimulation.

While they may enjoy having access to a yard or open space, simply letting them outside is not enough. These dogs were bred for herding livestock and have incredible stamina. They thrive on structured, purposeful activity — not just running around, but also interacting with people, solving problems, and learning new tasks.

Ideally, a Border Collie should get at least 1.5 to 2 hours of daily exercise, including:

• Long walks or runs

• Off-leash play in safe areas

• Obedience training, agility, or other mentally stimulating games

• Interactive playtime with their owners

Because of their working-dog mentality, they need to feel mentally engaged — not just physically tired. Compared to many other family-friendly breeds, Border Collies require more consistent training and interaction to remain balanced and well-behaved.

As an owner, it’s essential to channel their endless energy into positive outlets. Without enough exercise and engagement, Border Collies can quickly develop problem behaviours like barking, digging, nipping, or becoming obsessively fixated on objects or routines.

With the right routine and a hands-on approach, however, they make loyal, intelligent, and incredibly rewarding companions.

Yes, Border Collies do shed — and quite a bit! They have a double coat (a soft undercoat and a coarser outer coat) that sheds year-round, with heavier shedding typically in spring and autumn as they “blow” their coat.

Regular grooming helps manage the shedding. Brushing 2–3 times a week (daily during peak shedding) removes loose fur, prevents matting, and keeps their coat healthy. Bathing occasionally and using a deshedding tool can also help.

While not ideal for people with severe allergies, their shedding is manageable with consistent care.

Ideally, yes — Border Collies are built for activity and thrive in environments where they can run freely and burn off their endless energy. A secure, fenced yard and easy access to open areas like parks, trails, or acreage are perfect setups for this highly active breed.

But is a big yard absolutely necessary? Not always.

While space certainly helps, it’s not the only factor. Many dedicated owners successfully raise well-adjusted Border Collies in apartments or homes without outdoor access. The key is your commitment — these dogs don’t just need room to move; they need your time, energy, and attention.

Border Collies are incredibly intelligent and people-focused. Without enough interaction, stimulation, and structure, they’ll create their own entertainment — usually in the form of barking, digging, chewing, jumping, or nipping.

If you live in a smaller space, you’ll need to commit to:

• Daily long walks or runs (1.5 to 2 hours total)

• Regular mental stimulation through training, games, and puzzle toys

• Off-leash play in safe parks or open areas

• Frequent outings to satisfy their physical and mental needs

In short, Border Collies can adapt to unit or flat living — but only if you’re truly ready to meet their demanding exercise and enrichment needs every single day. If you’re home often, active, and engaged, it can work. Otherwise, a home with a yard or quick access to open space is a far better fit.

Absolutely — despite being bred to work in the fields alongside farmers, Border Collies can make wonderful family pets. They are loyal, affectionate, and often form strong bonds with their families, including children. With the right upbringing, they usually get along well with other pets too, such as cats and other dog breeds.

However, it’s important to understand their natural instincts. Border Collies are herders by nature, and without enough physical and mental stimulation, they may try to “herd” children or other animals — often by circling or chasing.

The good news is that with early socialisation, consistent training, and clear boundaries, they typically learn to be gentle, respectful, and calm around others. They tend to do best with:

• Children who know how to interact with dogs kindly and respectfully

• Other pets who are well-socialised and not overly reactive

• Families who can provide structure, attention, and daily activity

With the right environment and guidance, Border Collies thrive in multi-pet homes and make excellent companions for active families.

 ALL BORDER COLLIE COAT COLOURS – AUSTRALIA (ANKC-Recognised)

 SOLID BASE COLOURS (WITH OR WITHOUT WHITE)

These are the main colour types, often paired with white and/or tan:

• Black
• Brown / Chocolate / Red (same colour; terminology varies)
• Blue (diluted black – slate grey)
• Lilac (diluted brown – soft silvery-brown)
• Gold / ee Red / Australian Red (pale cream to deep gold; genetically distinct from liver/red)

 MERLE VARIANTS (WITH OR WITHOUT TAN & WHITE)

Merles have a marbled coat pattern caused by the merle gene:

• Blue Merle – Black on grey/blue base
• Blue Merle Tri – With tan points and white
• Red Merle – Chocolate on cream base
• Red Merle Tri
• Lilac Merle
• Slate Merle – Diluted blue merle
• Sable Merle – Sable coat with merling (rare and less common in Aus)

 TRI-COLOUR COMBINATIONS

Tri-colours are black, brown, blue, lilac, or merle plus tan points and white:

• Black Tri
• Chocolate/Brown Tri
• Blue Tri
• Lilac Tri
• Red Tri
• Blue Merle Tri
• Red Merle Tri

 RARE OR LESS COMMON COLOURS

These may be less frequent but are still recognised:

• Sable – Golden to red-brown coat with black-tipped hairs
• Sable Merle
• Brindle – Red or brown base with dark striping (less common in Aus)
• Champagne – Very pale diluted gold (extremely rare)
• Tan – May appear in some gold/ee red pups with tan points

 MARKINGS & PATTERNS

Markings can appear with any base colour:

• White Markings – On face, collar, chest, feet, tail tip (Irish pattern)
• Full Collar – White wraps fully around the neck
• Split Face – Each half of the face a different colour
• Blaze – White stripe between eyes down muzzle
• Ticking – Flecks of colour in white areas (often on legs/face)
• Freckling – Dense ticking or patchy pigmentation
• Saddleback – Large dark patch over the back

 GENETIC & REGISTRATION NOTES – ANKC

• All colours are acceptable under ANKC as long as pigmentation is correct (black or brown nose/eye rims matching coat).
• Double merle matings are discouraged due to health risks (deafness, blindness).
• Coat types (rough, medium, smooth) are separate from colour and also vary.

 OFFICIAL DOG SPORTS IN AUSTRALIA (ANKC/Dogs Australia Recognised)

These are competitive disciplines open to Border Collies through local clubs or state bodies like Dogs QLD, Dogs NSW, etc.

 Agility
Obstacle courses involving jumps, tunnels, weave poles — Border Collies excel in speed and precision.

 Obedience Trials
Formal exercises like heeling, recalls, and stays. Ideal for showing off their trainability.

 Rally Obedience
A more relaxed version of obedience with handlers following a course of signs.

 Herding Trials
Showcases the breed’s working heritage. Events include sheep, cattle, or duck trials under ANKC rules.

 Flyball
Fast-paced relay race over hurdles — Border Collies often dominate in teams.

 Canine Disc (Frisbee)
Includes toss-and-fetch and freestyle routines. Known for its athleticism and fun factor.

 Tracking
Tests a dog’s scenting ability to follow human tracks over distance and terrain.

 Scent Work
Inspired by detection dogs — dogs search for specific odours in various environments.

 Trick Dog Titles
Performing a series of learned tricks. Great for mental stimulation and bonding.

 Dog Dancing / Canine Freestyle
Choreographed routines set to music involving tricks, movement, and teamwork.

 Endurance Test (ET)
A 20km run alongside a bike to demonstrate stamina and fitness.

Border Collies don’t typically have “herding problems” — because herding is their natural instinct and skill. However, if their herding drive isn’t properly managed or redirected, it can sometimes cause behavior issues.

For example, some Border Collies might try to herd:

• Children or other pets by circling them
• Moving objects like bikes, cars, or joggers
• People in general, especially if bored or under-stimulated

These behaviors aren’t really “problems” but signs they need an outlet for their herding instincts. With proper training, exercise, and mental stimulation, most Border Collies learn when and how to use their skills appropriately.

So, they don’t have herding problems — they have needs that must be met to prevent unwanted herding behaviours.

The price for a pedigree Border Collie in Australia can vary quite a bit based on factors like lineage, breeder reputation, health testing, training, and location. Here’s a general guide:

• Pet-quality puppies: Usually range from $1,200 to $2,500 AUD
• Show-quality or working-line puppies: Typically from $2,500 to $5,000 AUD or more
• Exceptional bloodlines or proven working/sporting dogs: Prices can exceed $5,000 AUD

Reputable breeders who health-test parents (hip, eye, genetic tests), provide vaccinations, microchipping, and early socialization usually charge toward the higher end.

Beware of prices that seem too low, puppies from unverified sources may have health or behavioural issues.

Training a Border Collie (BC) is rewarding but requires consistency, patience, and plenty of mental and physical stimulation. Here’s a straightforward guide to get you started:

1. Start Early & Be Consistent

Begin training as soon as you bring your puppy home. Use consistent commands and routines to build understanding.

2. Use Positive Reinforcement

Reward good behavior with treats, praise, or play. Avoid harsh punishment—Border Collies respond best to encouragement.

3. Focus on Basic Obedience First

Teach sit, stay, come, heel, and leave it. These form the foundation for all other skills.

4. Mental Stimulation Is Key

Border Collies are super smart—boredom can lead to problem behaviors. Use puzzle toys, training games, and new tricks to challenge their mind daily.

5. Exercise Regularly

Combine training with physical activity like walks, runs, fetch, or agility practice. A tired BC is a happy BC.

6. Socialize Often

Expose your BC to different people, places, sounds, and other animals in a positive way to build confidence.

7. Gradually Increase Difficulty

Once basics are solid, add distractions and longer durations to commands to improve reliability.

Border Collies are not your average dog. Bred for generations to herd livestock with precision and endurance, they are known for their unmatched intelligence, loyalty, and drive. These qualities make them extraordinary companions — but only in the right hands.

They thrive on both physical activity and mental stimulation. A casual walk and a bowl of food won’t cut it. Without engagement and purpose, they can become frustrated, anxious, or destructive.

Owning a Border Collie means committing to:

• 1–2 hours of daily exercise
• Ongoing training and enrichment
• Emotional bonding and companionship
• Safe outdoor time or structured activities

If you enjoy an active lifestyle, love training, and want a dog who will stick to your side like glue — a Border Collie may be your perfect match. But they are not suited to homes where they’ll be left alone or under-stimulated.

Border Collies are among the smartest breeds in the world — and they know it. They pick things up fast, including bad habits. Training needs to be consistent, positive, and ongoing.

They’re also emotionally intuitive and bond deeply with their humans. Gentle, patient communication brings out their best.

Life doesn’t always go to plan. Responsible dog ownership means thinking ahead:

Ask yourself:

• Who will care for your Border Collie if you get sick or injured?
• Do you have someone who understands their needs?
• Have you included them in your estate or emergency plans?

We recommend:

• Writing a care plan (routine, vet, preferences)
• Talking with backup carers in advance
• Adding pet care to your will
• Considering pet insurance
• Staying in contact with your breeder or trusted rescue

A BestBuddies Border Collie is raised to be a true partner — a loyal teammate who brings joy, purpose, and love to your life. In return, they need time, patience, and a promise of forever.

If you’re ready for that, we’ll be right here to help every step of the way.